National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) Latest News

Recently, the Union Earth Sciences Minister inaugurated “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan” at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.

About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

• Established in 1998 as an autonomous R&D institute, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Formerly known as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).
• Location: Vasco da Gama, Goa.

Mandate and Functions

• Nodal agency for Planning and executing polar expeditions in the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean, and Himalayas.
  • Coordinating scientific research and logistics in polar and oceanic domains.
  • Also works on strategically vital projects like: Mapping of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Continental shelf surveys, and the Deep Ocean Mission.
• Maintains a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for scientific guidance.

About Polar Bhavan and Sagar Bhavan

• Polar Bhavan, the largest facility on the NCPOR campus, covers 11,378 sq. m and was built at a cost of ₹55 crore.
  • It includes state-of-the-art laboratories, 55 rooms for scientists, conference halls, a library, and the new Science on Sphere (SOS) 3D earth systems visualisation platform.
  • It will house India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum for public scientific outreach.
• Sagar Bhavan spans 1,772 sq. m and costs ₹13 crore.
  • It includes two -30°C ice core laboratories, +4°C storage units for archiving sediment and biological samples, and a Class 1000 metal-free clean room for trace metal and isotope analysis.

India’s Expanding Polar Footprint

• NCPOR maintains India’s research presence in: Antarctica (Stations: Maitri and Bharati), Arctic (Station: Himadri), and Himalayas (Station: Himansh).
• India’s Arctic Policy (2022) and Indian Antarctic Act (2022) were cited as key legislative frameworks for science-led and environmentally responsible polar engagement, aligned with international obligations.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) FAQs

Q1. What is NCPOR?
Ans: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India’s premier institution for polar and oceanographic research, headquartered in Goa.

Q2. Under which ministry does NCPOR function?
Ans: NCPOR functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Q3. What are India’s research stations in Antarctica?
Ans: India maintains two active stations — Maitri and Bharati — under the management of NCPOR.

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Source: PIB